Archive · 23 Sep 2026
MP Seeks Central Probe Into Deaths At Tribal Schools
A lawmaker has asked for a national investigation into the deaths of 584 students.
The students attended tribal ashram schools in Maharashtra.
Officials said 384 deaths were from government-run schools and 200 were from aided schools.
The lawmaker wants each death examined separately.
Investigators would look at food, water, medical care, housing and sanitation.
He also wants all such schools checked for safety and infrastructure problems.
If wrongdoing is found, he says those responsible should face action.
He also asked for help and compensation for the families.
Dindori MP Bhaskar Bhagare asked Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram to appoint an independent Central inquiry committee.
Officials said 584 students died in Maharashtra tribal ashram schools during 2024-25 and 2025-26.
The reported deaths included 384 students from government-run schools and 200 from aided schools.
Bhagare requested case-by-case reviews of medical care, nutrition, water, sanitation, housing and emergency healthcare.
He also sought school safety audits, regular health checks, better medical facilities and compensation for families.
- Who
- Dindori MP Bhaskar Bhagare urged Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram to act; officials reported the deaths.
- What
- Bhagare sought an independent Central inquiry into the deaths of 584 tribal ashram school students and broader school audits.
- When
- The reported deaths occurred during 2024-25 and 2025-26.
- Where
- Tribal ashram schools in Maharashtra, including schools associated with Nashik and Dindori.
- Why
- Bhagare said the causes, treatment, nutrition, sanitation, infrastructure and emergency care should be investigated, with responsibility fixed if violations are found.
- Reported deaths
- 584 students
- Reported period
- 2024-25 and 2025-26
- Government-run school deaths
- 384 students
- Aided school deaths
- 200 students
- Requested investigation
- An independent Central inquiry committee
- Requested audits
- Health, safety and infrastructure audits of tribal ashram schools
- Family support
- Timely financial assistance and compensation for families of deceased students